The 10 Most In-Demand Majors | BestColleges (2024)

  • Students should consider their interests and employment prospects when selecting a major.
  • Students can choose in-demand college majors in healthcare, like nursing.
  • Computer science, engineering, and IT are some of the most in-demand majors in STEM.

Although many students choose majors that align with their interests and academic passions, most students also enroll in postsecondary programs with employment prospects in mind.

When choosing a major, learners should take into account the demand and salary potential of corresponding careers and internships, as well as the courses they'll need to take to earn their degree.

This list details some of the most popular and lucrative college majors in demand.

1. Engineering

Engineering professionals use principles of physics and mathematics to design buildings, vehicles, electronics, and other structures. In addition to technical knowledge, these individuals also possess excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Engineers can pursue a variety of specializations. Chemical engineers, for example, use their knowledge of chemistry to develop products like fuels and pharmaceuticals, while civil engineers design buildings and physical structures like dams and bridges.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer hardware engineers was $119,560 in May 2020. During that same period, the median salary for biomedical engineers was $92,620 per year.

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2. Business

A broad field, business teaches students how to operate and grow business ventures through courses in business communications, risk management, and macroeconomics. Students can refine their studies through concentrations like entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, and undergraduate concentrations in business management.

An academic background in business can prepare graduates for an array of lucrative careers. According to the BLS, in May 2020 marketing managers earned a median annual salary of $141,490, financial analysts earned a median salary of $83,660, and top executives earned a median salary of $107,680.

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3. Nursing

Nursing is one of the most in-demand majors in the healthcare field. Nurses administer medical care and assist during various procedures. They typically complete foundational courses like pathophysiology, microbiology, and human anatomy. They may also complete fieldwork hours to gain clinical experience.

According to the BLS, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $75,330 in May 2020. Individuals who pursue a master's degree in advanced practice nursing can become nurse practitioners. These professionals earned a higher median salary of $117,670 in May 2020.

The BLS projects that the number of roles for nurse practitioners will grow 45% between 2020 and 2030, far surpassing the average growth rate of 8% across all professions during that same period.

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4. Hospitality

Hospitality managers oversee the operations of hotels, event spaces, and dining facilities. They often navigate high-pressure scenarios and must facilitate a collaborative environment, delegating work to individuals in service-oriented roles.

In May 2020, hospitality managers earned a median salary of $56,670 per year, while food service managers earned a median salary of $56,590, according to the BLS.

These professionals must have exceptional organization, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. While pursuing a hospitality bachelor's degree, students may take courses in revenue management, risk management, and hospitality and tourism marketing.

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5. Education

The BLS projects that by 2030, there will be 1,603,900 elementary school teachers and 1,077,000 secondary school teachers in the United States. As of May 2020, high school teachers earned a median salary of $62,870 per year, and elementary school teachers earned $60,660 annually.

Individuals pursuing a degree in education usually take foundational courses in child development and classroom management. Students also normally develop hands-on experience through student teaching. They often specialize in areas like special education or elementary education.

Individuals hoping to teach older students might train to teach specific subjects like history or science.

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6. Computer Science

Students in this fast-growing discipline can focus their academic and career goals on areas like cybersecurity, information systems management, and software development. Learners may build an academic understanding through courses in cryptography and data mining.

Many computer science professionals earn a comfortable living. Computer programmers, for example, earned a median annual salary of $89,190 in May 2020, according to the BLS. Software developers earned a higher median salary of $110,140.

Demand for computer science professionals is projected to grow as technologies become more pervasive. Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects that jobs for software developers will grow 22%.

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7. Architecture

Architects work closely with engineers and construction personnel to design public buildings, residences, and other structures. They may take courses in architectural theory, materials and design, and structures and computation. Architecture majors may be able to select concentrations like sustainability, urban works, or furniture design.

Architects may also specialize in landscape, commercial, residential, or industrial architecture. According to the BLS, architects earned a median annual salary of $82,320 in May 2020. Those employed by government agencies earned a median salary of $97,960.

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8. Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmacists administer appropriate medications and monitor dosages to achieve optimal health outcomes. Often a bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical sciences is a precursor to a doctor of pharmacy. At the undergraduate level, students pursuing this role must take courses in biochemistry, human anatomy, and organic chemistry.

According to the BLS, pharmacists earned a median annual salary of $128,710 in May 2020. Payscale reports clinical pharmacists earned an average of $119,650 per year in January 2022.

Those with a degree in pharmaceutical sciences may also pursue careers in areas like veterinary pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, and drug development.

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9. Information Technology

A degree in information technology can prepare graduates for careers in systems management and technical communication. These individuals might specialize in data analytics in which professionals deduce usable information from raw data. They can also concentrate in cybersecurity, IT management, or the organization of IT staff, budgets, and projects.

The BLS projects that the number of IT occupations will grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, accounting for 667,600 new jobs. IT professionals earned a median annual income of $91,250 in May 2020.

Network and computer systems administrators earned a median of $84,810 per year, while information security analysts earned a median of $103,590 during the same period.

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10. Construction Management

People with strong leadership and organizational skills may consider pursuing construction management. Generally speaking, construction managers oversee budgets, supervise workers, plan project timelines, and correspond with subcontractors and other specialists.

Students in construction may take courses in construction materials and methods, cost estimating and bidding, and construction accounting and finance.

According to the BLS, construction managers earned a median salary of $97,180 per year in May 2020. Graduates with a degree in this field may also work as building inspectors and cost estimators.

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Easiest College Majors Link

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The 10 Most In-Demand Majors | BestColleges (2024)

FAQs

What major is most in demand? ›

Below, we've written out a list of the top 10 majors that are currently in high demand.
  1. Business. ...
  2. Healthcare Administration. ...
  3. Mathematics and Statistics. ...
  4. Nursing. ...
  5. Medical Assisting. ...
  6. Information Technology. ...
  7. Computer Science. ...
  8. Hospitality.

What majors have the most job opportunities? ›

Fields like Computer Science, Healthcare, Engineering, and Business Management often top the list due to their high demand in the job market, strong salary potential, and broad applicability across industries.

Which major is the most worth it? ›

A recent study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that engineering and computer science majors provide the highest returns in lifetime earnings, followed by business, health, and math and science majors.

What is the number #1 highest paying major? ›

College majors that pay the most for mid-career workers
1.Chemical engineering$133K
2.Computer engineering$125K
3.Aerospace engineering$120K
4.Electrical engineering$112K
5.Mechanical engineering$111K
11 more rows
Mar 14, 2024

What's an easy degree that pays well? ›

What Is an Easy Bachelor's Degree to Get?
CareerMedian Annual SalaryDegree
Technical Writers$78,060English
Financial Managers$131,710Finance
Health Services Managers$101,340Healthcare Administration
Social and Community Service Managers$74,000History
11 more rows

What degree is the most employable? ›

Computer science and information technology is an increasingly popular major and career choice. The BLS projects a growth of 21% between 2021 and 2031 , which is much faster than the average growth rate of 5% for all occupations.

What are the three most popular majors? ›

10 Most Popular College Majors
PopularityMajorPercentage of degrees
1Business19.0%
2Health12.6%
3Social sciences and history7.9%
4Engineering6.3%
7 more rows
Nov 29, 2023

What degree has the most job growth? ›

After synthesizing data from government sources, I found that these careers have the following job growth from 2022 to 2032:
  • Statisticians: 32%
  • Mathematical Science Occupations: 29%
  • Operations Research Analysts: 23%
  • Actuaries: 23%
  • Economists: 6%
  • Physicists: 5%
4 days ago

What degree is worth getting? ›

Saving money during and after college
RankDeclared degreeUnemployment rate
1Architectural Engineering1.3%
2Construction Services1.0%
3Computer Engineering2.3%
4Aerospace Engineering1.9%
71 more rows
Oct 4, 2021

What 4 year degree makes the most money? ›

Engineering majors tend to have the highest earnings according to the BLS, with a median annual wage of $93,000 per year . This can be a useful career option for people who enjoy solving complex problems. Mathematics is another high-paying major, and graduates can earn a median annual wage of $75,000 per year .

What majors make you the happiest? ›

Which Bachelor's Degree Will Make You Happiest?
  • Humanities. ...
  • Sports and Exercise Science. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • Natural Sciences. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Arts and Design.
Sep 29, 2022

Which major is most competitive? ›

As majors including computer science, engineering, business and nursing continue to experience growing popularity, the finite number of seats in these programs has led to intense competition that isn't always reflected in the overall acceptance rates that colleges publish.

What is the hardest major? ›

What are the most difficult university degrees in the world?
  • Chartered Accountancy.
  • Astrophysics.
  • Quantum Mechanics.
  • Law.
  • Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
  • Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
  • Nursing.
  • Dentistry, Medicine.
Nov 17, 2023

What is the most employable degree? ›

What Are The Degrees With The Most Job Opportunities?
  • Computer Science Degrees. Perhaps unsurprisingly, computer science and similar degrees are some of the most employable. ...
  • Medicine And Dentistry. ...
  • Finance Degrees. ...
  • Engineering Degrees. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Architecture Degrees. ...
  • Veterinary Sciences. ...
  • Law Degrees.
Dec 12, 2023

Which is the most competitive major? ›

As majors including computer science, engineering, business and nursing continue to experience growing popularity, the finite number of seats in these programs has led to intense competition that isn't always reflected in the overall acceptance rates that colleges publish.

What is the hardest major to get into? ›

List of the Hardest College Majors
  1. Legal Studies. Average GPA: 3.35. ...
  2. Computer Science. Average GPA: 3.0. ...
  3. Environmental Earth Science. Average GPA: 2.96. ...
  4. Chemistry. Average GPA: 2.77. ...
  5. Environmental Economics and Policy. Average GPA: 2.95. ...
  6. American Studies. Average GPA: 3.12. ...
  7. Nuclear Engineering. Average GPA: 3.14. ...
  8. Energy Engineering.
Apr 8, 2024

What is the most versatile major? ›

Most Versatile Degrees
  • Business Administration.
  • Communication.
  • Business Management.
  • Psychology.
  • Sociology.
  • Biology.
  • Economics.
  • Political Science.

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